All of us learn basic manners as a child. Many have a hard time correlating those basics into a sense of professional etiquette or courtesy when applying for a job. Adding gratitude to your job search can increase your opportunities for success. This essential effort to express a simple “Thank You” and appreciation may be the determining factor for a hiring manager while conducting your interview.

If an interview doesn’t end favorably, it is still important to maintain your sense of professional courtesy. Automation Personnel Services highlights this importance to all of our applicants. It’s also important that you express your appreciation when an interview does go your way. After all, how else can the interviewer be sure that your interest in the opportunity hasn’t decreased?

Show Your Appreciation for the Opportunity

While it is true that the company has a need they have to fill, it’s important to keep in mind that hiring managers and interviewers typically have a lot of job applications, cover letters, and resumes to sift through. As such, simply showing your appreciation for the opportunity at hand is an excellent way to get yourself started off on the right foot with your prospective new employer.

In fact, you’ll likely have multiple opportunities to express your appreciation for the job in question. While it’s important to state your gratitude and even reiterate it once or twice, you’ll also want to avoid overdoing it. Showing your appreciation at the end of an interview is usually a good start. You’ll have another chance to express your appreciation during follow-up emails or phone calls with your prospective new employer.

Saying Thank You Can Set You Apart

A job seeker can quickly and professionally share their gratitude through a few simple steps…

• Send a Thank You in writing. You would be shocked by how many people forget the importance of following up after a job interview.
  • Sending a handwritten Thank You Note within 24-48 hours of an interview or meeting is a practice that will never be outdated.
  • For timeliness, it’s OK to send a quick email to follow up, but that should never replace a handwritten note. Managers often have full email inboxes, but they receive few handwritten notes, it’s an excellent way to be remembered.
• Mind Their Time.
  • Express your appreciation for their time and consideration during the interview process, will differentiate yourself from other candidates.
  • Show respect for their time by arriving promptly.
  • Demonstrate your professionalism by delivering any requested follow-up items promptly. Become known as someone who does what they say they will do right from the start and then builds off of that first impression.

Being Thankful Reflects A Positive Outlook

As stated earlier, it’s important that you maintain a grateful and positive attitude throughout all of your communication. Applicants can become frustrated or overwhelmed with the hiring process, but it is important to maintain a positive outlook at all times. Managers want to work with positive and appreciative people. It’s that “attitude of gratitude” that may help open doors.

Even if an interview doesn’t go your way right now, Automation Personnel Services, Inc. reminds you that a potential employer might keep your name on file for a future opportunity. Again, it is important to send a thank-you, note after every interview. Starting this practice will put you in the habit of showing appreciation and maintaining an optimistic outlook on a day-to-day basis. Contacts who feel appreciated and respected are much more likely to refer you to additional connections or job opportunities.

And in closing, positive people make great team members. Just as a positive mindset can work wonders for your career search, maintaining a positive and proactive mindset can also have a significant impact on the team you work with and your personal life. Make the members of your team and those you interact with feel valued and appreciated. People are more likely to help out when they know their efforts are appreciated. Not only does this add authenticity to your positive attitude, but it can contribute to forming the foundation needed to remain optimistic throughout stressful times.

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Learn more about Automation Personnel Services, Inc. by visiting our website today, to Join Our Talent Network, and easily apply online to work with one of the largest staffing agencies in the U.S.! We will assist you through the hiring process to help you start your new career with your best foot forward.